Small-Art Compendium

I guess I should go through my works-on-paper binder more often. I found several other pieces that hadn't been posted. Marsh Oil monotype on Stonehenge Image size: 6" x 6" Paper size: 6" x 6"

Found it! Actually, I hadn't realized I lost it. When I got a new box of conte sticks several months back (delicious colors!), I wanted to see how they layered and made this image to experiment with that. After I finished, I put the drawing into one of my works-on-paper binders and promptly forgot about it. This morning, as I was flipping through the binders, VOILA! Works-on-paper binder with English Bay Monotypes  Turns out that this first image made with the new conte colors is similar to the English Bay Monotype series I did last year. That was not the intention though, I was just fooling around with color and a new medium. Originally, I had planned for the series to be monotypes only, but now that I've  experienced the joys of conte, perhaps I should reconsider? Is it acceptable for a series to have more than one medium? If I made some papier mache vessels that worked within the concept, can I include those too? I certainly don't feel done with the ...

Last week, I said a wistful goodbye to winter and welcomed in spring while sitting under swaying palm trees, listening to mockingbirds and watching hummingbirds flit about in the citrus trees in Palm Desert, CA. It's still brown and dusty here in Denver, no signs of spring greenery yet -- but work begins anew. New canvases are being prepared, paintings for shows are getting crated and sent, papier mache vessels are in various states of  being, and of course, the almost daily works on paper continue to be made (for better or worse) . Spring planting, such as I can manage in our wee space (containers!) is still a couple of months away, but until then I want to share a few artist blogs that I love to read year round. They are an exceptional read for not only art-related stuff but for their other focus on the outdoors and gardening. Don't miss them! The Grand Tour Altoon Sultan's,  Studio and Garden Blog Martha Marshall's, An Artist's Journal Karine Swens...

Winter Colours Abstract drawing on Stonehenge paper Watercolor, graphite, conte, colored pencil Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8"

Red Patch Abstract drawing on Stonehenge paper Conte, Sharpie marker Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8"

Vino Mixed media drawing on Stonehenge paper Watercolor, ink Paper size: 5" x 7"

E Tea Mixed media drawing on Stonehenge paper Watercolor, collage, ink Paper size: 7" x 5"

Night Haiku 3 Abstract drawing on Stonehenge paper Conte, graphite, Sharpie marker Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8" Frame size: 12" x 12" SOLD

Ever get one of those crazy whims and follow it? I did and  GAWD, THESE THINGS ARE AWFUL! Papier Mache Bowls - Strip Method Papier Mache Bowls - Pulp Method A few weeks ago, I looked at the growing pile of Sunday New York Times and just couldn't bring myself to throw them out. When I get the paper, I scan them and cut out found poems and then I'm left with the rest of the paper -- what to do? I made an unholy mess is what I did. *snort* The first picture shown was my initial attempt at papier mache bowls several months ago. I used the paper strip method from non-newsprint sources and when I finished, meh. I was pretty disappointed in my fledgling efforts and put the papier mache idea to bed...until that blasted stack of NY Times. The second picture shows what is currently drying on my kitchen table. Sad, isn't it?! They look like something that was dropped out of an airplane lavatory from a great height. I sure hope they look better when they a...

Night Haiku 2 Small abstract drawing on Stonehenge paper Sharpie marker, conte Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8"

Night Haiku Abstract drawing on Stonehenge paper Sharpie marker, conte Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8"

I have to admit that the titles on some of these crack me up. A lot of these (monotypes excepted) are mostly a daily form of practice and experimentation and not for commercial purposes. They get made and then put into a binder in archival acid-free sleeves for storage -- so, a formal title seems a little pompous. However, titles do help me to keep track of them. Ghost Walker Abstract drawing on Stonehenge paper Colored pencil, gesso, conte, Sharpie marker Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8"

Spider Legs Abstract small drawing on Stonehenge Paper Conte, watercolor, graphite, colored pencil Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8"

Orange Cloud Abstract drawing on Stonehenge Paper Watercolor, conte, colored pencil, graphite Image size: 5" x 5" Paper size: 8" x 8"